KOLKATA: Accusing Mamata Banerjee of causing communal discord, Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that the Trinamool Congress supremo was 'day-dreaming' of dislodging Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Demanding a thorough probe of scams unearthed in BJP-ruled states, the West Bengal chief minister gave a call on Friday to launch 'BJP Quit India' movement.
Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said Mamata Banerjee’s call shows her frustration.
"Anyone can day-dream of dislodging Modiji but that is not going to happen. A non-existent unity cannot challenge us. Her frustration was palpable on Friday. She has only one agenda- to speak against BJP and Modi. We are growing in Bengal and that is a cause of worry for her. Both Left and TMC have only distributed poverty in West Bengal," he said.
Responding to his statement, West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee who is also a close aide to Mamata Banerjee said, "BJP is scared seeing Mamata Banerjee’s popularity and charm in Bengal. These people come to Kolkata, eat and go off saying something that exhibits their insecurity. Prakash Javdekar’s statement reminded me of Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and Jyoti Basu who underestimated Mamata Banerjee and were later unseated by her in 2011. Similarly, people of Bengal will give an answer to Mr Javadekar's jealousy. On calling Mamata Banerjee communal, I think he needs to read history about who joined hands with Mother Teresa when minorities were being attacked in Kolkata," he said.
The Union HRD minister also said that an amendment to the Right to Education Act would soon be presented in the current monsoon session of the Parliament to withdraw the 'No Retention Policy' clause.
"Some 25 states are together against the 'No Retention Policy'. We would bring a bill to include retention in Classes 5 and 8. States would be handed over right to retain students," Prakash Javadekar said.
Partha Chatterjee commented on this saying "BJP is trying to formalise saffronisation in education throughout the country. The Centre is creating confusion on the 'No Retention Policy'. They did not discuss anything with us. They should give a written proposal on the issue and I will discuss it with chief minister."